Bad Boy

"Bad Boy" by Red Velvet explores themes of power dynamics, attraction, and female agency through the lens of a sophisticated 'femme fatale' narrative. Lyrically, the song depicts a woman who is initially intrigued by a stereotypical 'bad boy' but quickly flips the script. Instead of being a passive object of his affection, she takes control of the burgeoning romance. The members sing about taming this rebellious figure, making him fall for their charms and ultimately subverting his 'bad boy' persona. The song is a celebration of female confidence and control in a relationship. The narrative is not about changing for a man, but about having the power to change him and win the game of love on her own terms. The repeated declaration "Bad boy down" signifies her victory in this playful, seductive power struggle. This marked a new "girl crush" concept for the group, showcasing a more mature and powerful side.

The narrative unfolds from the perspective of a confident and observant woman who spots an intriguing man—a "bad boy"—amidst a crowd. She is immediately captivated by his cool, nonchalant style and the flicker of curiosity in his eyes when he looks at her. She acknowledges that she's currently a hot topic, drawing attention wherever she goes, and she notices how he, like everyone else, seems mesmerized by her presence. The singer challenges him, knowing he's trying to act indifferent but is clearly drawn to her. She playfully warns him not to approach her too easily, enjoying the thrill of the chase and the power dynamic at play. She sees through his facade, recognizing his growing fascination despite his efforts to remain cool.

The story progresses as the woman decides to take control of the situation. She feels a change within herself, a newfound confidence and a desire to flip the script. Instead of being the pursued, she becomes the pursuer. The lyrics describe a game of temptation and control, where she confidently asserts that she knows how to handle a guy like him. She orchestrates their interactions, making him break his own rules and fall for her charm. The recurring phrase "Who dat boy" shifts from a question of observation to a declaration of her target. The power balance has tipped entirely in her favor.

She imagines the "bad boy's" confusion and inner turmoil as he finds himself irresistibly attracted to her, something he didn't expect. His friends warn him about her, but it's too late; he's already hooked. She revels in this victory, knowing that she is different from the other girls he has encountered. The climax of the narrative is her complete taming of the bad boy. She has successfully broken through his tough exterior and made him hers. The repeated line "Bad boy down" serves as a triumphant proclamation of her conquest. The song concludes with her asserting that this was an easy game for her, solidifying her image as a powerful, self-assured woman who always gets what she wants, rewriting the typical narrative of a woman falling for a bad boy into one where she is the one in ultimate command.

"Bad Boy" was released on January 29, 2018, as the lead single for "The Perfect Red Velvet," the reissue of their second studio album. The song was primarily produced by the American production team The Stereotypes, known for their work with artists like Bruno Mars. They collaborated with South Korean hitmaker Yoo Young-jin, renowned for his signature 90s R&B style, as well as Maxx Song and Whitney Phillips. The Stereotypes revealed that they were inspired by '90s R&B music and that SM Entertainment allowed them the creative freedom to incorporate these influences. The creation process was collaborative, with different members of The Stereotypes team adding layers, from the initial chord progression and synth melody to the complex drum patterns and bassline, to build an atmospheric track. The lyrics were penned by JQ and Moon Hee-yeon. The song was part of a conscious decision by SM Entertainment to present a new, more mature "sexy" or "girl crush" concept for Red Velvet.

The rhythmic structure of "Bad Boy" is one of its defining features, deeply rooted in R&B and hip-hop. The tempo is a moderate 150 BPM, providing a laid-back yet driving pulse. The drum programming, a highlight of The Stereotypes' production, is rhythmically complex and syncopated, avoiding a straightforward beat and instead creating interesting pockets and grooves that the vocals play against. This creates a 'slow-burn groove' that feels both relaxed and compelling. The lyrical rhythm often follows a conversational, confident flow in the verses, leading into a more melodic and sustained delivery in the pre-chorus and chorus. The interplay between the slick, often rap-like cadence and the smooth, sung melodies adds to the song's dynamic texture. The rhyme scheme is not strictly formal, leaning more towards the conventions of modern R&B and pop, where flow and phonetic texture are prioritized over perfect end rhymes. Internal rhymes and assonance are used to enhance the lyrical flow, making it feel cohesive and catchy.

"Bad Boy" is a prime example of Red Velvet's "Velvet" concept, which focuses on smoother, more mature R&B sounds. Musically, the song is built on a foundation of '90s-influenced R&B and hip-hop. The production by The Stereotypes features a distinct synth melody that serves as the main hook, a heavy, grooving bass sound, and intricate, non-straightforward drum rhythms with trap influences. The song is composed in the key of D major with a tempo of 150 beats per minute. A key musical technique is the atmospheric layering of sounds, including synth pads that fill out the harmony without weighing the track down, keeping the energy up. Vocally, the song showcases Red Velvet's sophisticated and sultry delivery. The chorus features lush, layered harmonies that create an affecting and memorable melody. The vocal arrangement allows the members' individual tones to shine while blending seamlessly, emphasizing their strength as a vocal group. The transition between the verses, pre-chorus, and chorus is smooth, building anticipation effectively.

"Bad Boy" was a major critical and commercial success, significantly bolstering Red Velvet's international recognition. It was widely praised by music critics for its sophisticated R&B production and the group's vocal performance. Notably, Billboard named "Bad Boy" the best K-pop song of 2018. Commercially, the song peaked at number two on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart and was certified Platinum by the KMCA for over 2.5 million digital downloads. It also performed strongly in North America, reaching number two on Billboard's World Digital Songs chart and marking the group's first entry on the Canadian Hot 100. The song's success solidified Red Velvet's reputation as a musically versatile group, capable of mastering both their bright "Red" and mature "Velvet" concepts. In a significant moment of cultural diplomacy, Red Velvet performed "Bad Boy" in Pyongyang, North Korea, during the "Spring is Coming" concert in 2018, for an audience that included Kim Jong-un. An English version was later released, further expanding its global reach.

The music video for "Bad Boy" is rich with symbolism that complements the song's lyrical themes. The absence of an actual male 'bad boy' in the video is intentional, placing the entire focus on the women and their internal and collective journey of empowerment. Key symbolic elements include:

• Color Palette: The colors red and white are used purposefully. White often represents innocence or a vulnerable state, seen in scenes where the members might be perceived as susceptible to the 'bad boy's' influence. In contrast, red symbolizes strength, confidence, and power. As the video progresses, red becomes more dominant, signifying their takeover and control.
• The Book "Ceci n'est pas une lèvre": A recurring prop is a book titled "This is not a lip," a clear play on René Magritte's famous surrealist painting "The Treachery of Images" ("Ceci n'est pas une pipe"). This suggests that the 'bad boy' and the situation are not what they appear to be. It serves as a reminder for the members to see through his facade and not be deceived, empowering them to change their perspective and break free from his influence.
• Weapons and Mannequins: Imagery of the members holding tools or weapons, which are often colored red, symbolizes their newfound agency and control. White mannequins in the background can be interpreted as the 'bad boy's' past victims, mindless and devoid of agency, highlighting what the members are fighting against becoming.

The most significant recurring phrase in "Bad Boy" is the hook "Who dat who dat who dat boy," which appears at the beginning and is woven throughout the song. It acts as an anchor, initially establishing the object of their attention and later becoming a confident declaration of their target. The climactic and oft-repeated phrase "Bad boy down" functions as the song's ultimate thesis statement. Its repetition, especially in the outro, solidifies the narrative's resolution: the successful 'taming' of the bad boy. Musically, the main recurring motif is the distinctive opening synth melody. This synth loop is incredibly atmospheric and instantly recognizable, driving the song and appearing in various forms to structure the track. Another recurring musical element is the heavy bass sound that underpins the verses, giving the song its sultry and confident swagger.